Drone explodes in Egypt’s Sinai border town of Taba, IDF indicates it was launched from Yemen

Last week, US warship intercepted missiles from Yemen bound for Israel

A drone exploded in the town of Taba on the Israel-Egypt border early on Friday morning, injuring six people, according to the Egyptian Armed Forces.

Taba is about a three-hour drive from the Red Sea resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh and just over the border from the Israeli city of Eilat.

The explosion took place near an ambulance facility and a residential building, according to Egypt’s Al-Qahera TV.

The IDF denied any involvement in the missile strike, initially stating that it could have been caused by a Hamas misfire.

Later this morning, IDF Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Daniel Hagari said the IDF had determined the drone came from the Red Sea area, apparently indicating that it originated from the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

“In recent hours, an aerial threat was spotted in the Red Sea region. Combat helicopters were scrambled in response to the threat, and this matter is now being investigated,” Hagari stated, adding that “Israel will work with Egypt, and the United States, and bolster regional defenses against threats from the Red Sea region.”

Army Radio reported that IDF fighter jets were scrambled to intercept the drone but didn’t succeed, adding that the drone could have been launched either from Yemen or from a ship in the Red Sea.

A second projectile fell near the Red Sea resort town of Nuweiba, around 55 kilometers (34 miles) the south of Taba on Friday morning, according to Reuters.

It reportedly fell in an open area and caused a loud explosion. Egyptian security sources said authorities were still gathering more information on the incident.

A military source told Al-Qahera TV that Egypt reserves the right to respond to the attack as soon as the destination for the launch was determined.

Last week, the American warship USS Carney intercepted several missiles launched by the Houthis heading toward Israel, while Saudi Arabia intercepted another missile.

Yesterday, Hamas launched a rocket towards Eilat.